A Parisian Wandering in Philly: Chapter Two

Continue this journey with Jeremie, our French intern who is with us through the summer…

When Jeremie met a Cheesesteak: Shank’s original Pier 40 (901 S. Columbus Blvd)

Last Monday during lunch some people from my office decided to go to Shank’s Original Pier 40. The sun was out and the four of us got into the car. Manu Dibango, the Cameroonian saxophonist, was playing on the radio in the SUV while we were driving to South Philly.

I knew exactly what I was going to get. A cheesesteak! I heard about them. I read about them. And I even dreamed about them.

This was the reason why, as part of my initiation, I had to try this Philadelphia specialty. The combination of a fresh artisan baked Italian roll filled with grade A Angus chopped beef, cheese whiz and sautéed onions was just amazing! Boy, what a treat!

It was fun eating while standing on the pier overlooking the Delaware River . It was simply unforgettable. At the peak of my dining experience, the owner of Shank’s Original Pier 40 came over to greet us. He even sat with us for a little chitchat. Everything just felt right. I know one thing for sure, I HAVE to go back for another cheesesteak very soon!

John’s Water Ice (701 Christian Street)

While we were in South Philly, we decided to make a quick stop to a traditional water ice stand in Philadelphia. John’s Water Ice serves this sweetened frozen dessert made with fruit. It’s similar to sorbet.

I never had water ice in my life and I have to admit it was both refreshing and tasty.

The two young ladies serving us behind the counter were real experts. Their hands scooped and dipped in a ballet of motion. Both ladies, coordinated their moves as precise as dancers. Back in the car, enjoying my pineapple water ice, I felt that this day could not have been any better!

Sip your way through the city!

Catch up with old friends and make a few new ones as Center City’s best bars and restaurants host the summer’s happiest hour every Wednesday, from June 1 through August 31, 5-7 pm.

Enjoy $4 cocktails, $3 wine, $2 beers and half-priced appetizers at the participating bars and restaurants listed below. Individual bars and restaurants will determine which drinks and appetizers are on special.

All attendees must be 21 years of age or older. For full list of participants, click here.

Linvilla Orchards Blueberry Festival and Pie Eating Contest

Preserve some sweet family memories at the Blueberry Festival and Pie Eating Contest at Linvilla Orchards hosted by Makin’ Music on Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Plan plenty of time for picking which begins at 8 a.m.  With acres of blueberries, you’ll find plenty to add a bit of fresh sweetness to cobblers, pies and your homemade jellies and jams. Bring the camera to capture the kids’ berry blue-smeared faces as they snack on the juicy fruit. Laugh and be amazed when comedic magician Bill Kerwood performs at 3 p.m. Join in on the games & contests, pony rides, face painting, and enjoy a hayride to the picking fields.

Don’t forget to bring your appetite as you join champs and chow down at the pie-eating contest starting at 1:45 p.m.  If you’re not feeling that ravenous, watch the show and savor a slice of Linvilla’s famous fireworks cake or other freshly baked treats from the Farm Market. Browse the Garden Center for beautiful blooms and plants to give your garden a pop of color.

Families will love creating memories and coming back year after year. Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, education and entertainment, and is located at 137 West Knowlton Road, in Media, PA. Call 610-876-7116 or visit www.Linvilla.com.

How much are you willing to pay to bring home the bacon?

Prices for Pork Belly, where bacon comes from, are up about 5% from one year ago. Why you ask?

Because consumers purchase more pork ribs over the summer. The pork packers use the same bacon that we count on all year to package and sell pork ribs during the warmer months.

A lot of people serve pork ribs to accompany their burgers and dogs at back yard barbecues during the summer season.

If you are wondering when you will see the price of bacon take a dip at your local grocery store, think Fall. In the mean time… order the burger, without bacon.  Unless you simply can’t resist. Keep in mind, you might need to pay a little extra until things cool off.

A Parisian wandering in Philly: Chapter One

Meet Jeremie, our French intern. He is here for the summer…

Here I am, a born and bread Parisian, just got into Philadelphia last week with one unique goal: to discover the delicious things the City of Brotherly Love has to offer! Sunglasses on, two huge duffle bags filled with clothes, books, a notebook, and one or two French cheeses (I just can’t help it): I am ready to discover Philly’s delicacies. From Philadelphia International Airport to my new headquarters right next to the UPenn campus, I’ve been planning out this visit for months! All the cafes, restaurants and bars I HAVE to see, there are just so many!

 City Tap House (3925 Walnut Street Walnut Street)

Last Friday, one of my roommates took me to Tap House and said,

“Trust me, you’ll love this.”  Well… I have to admit she was right.  I had the Tap House burger with sweet potato fries! (After all, I am in America.) It was the first time I’ve had sweet potato fries. They were absolutely delicious and I am definitely going to try to make them when I go back to Paris. The other great thing about Tap House is their huge variety of beers.  No kidding, their draft beer list is probably as long as the Mississippi river.

Capogiro (many locations throughout the city)

After a great meal, I went to Capogiro for a honey cumin gelato. It was  the strangest and most interesting gelato ever. I like unusual flavors and this gelato really caught my eye. Devoted to using local and seasonal ingredients, Capogiro is definitely THE go-to for good gelatos.

TIME, a restaurant and whiskey bar (1315 Sansom Street)

On a Friday night, around 11:30 p.m., I went to Time. For a $5 entry fee I had the opportunity to enjoy great music on the first floor. The Sermon was playing and I loved the mix of harmonium, electric guitar, bass and drums. It was really nice listening to such a professional ensemble. On the second floor, people were drinking and dancing, but I definitely preferred the action downstairs.

Rx Restaurant (4443 Spruce Street)

The next morning, I woke up around 11 a.m., had a craving for a nice brunch, wandered around, and then stumbled upon RX, a cozy restaurant  decorated with old vending machines and scales. I absolutely loved it! The service was really great. And don’t even get me started on the food! They serve this amazing homemade granola with local honey, whole milk yogurt with strawberries. I’ve never had anything so good! Their old-fashioned chocolate chip pancakes were also a blast. Between the ambiance and the food, Rx definitely has my special seal of approval!

Pure Fare (119 South 21st Street)

If you are looking for a meal that is delicious, fresh and healthy, Pure Fare is definitely a place to check out for breakfast, lunch, or even just a snack. Recently opened near Rittenhouse Square, the owners try to source the finest organic ingredients. I’ve had their quinoa salad several times and trust me, it’s addicting. What’s in it? Well I did some research and here are all the magic ingredients: fresh spinach, quinoa, sea salt, dried apricots, lemons, avocados, scallions, toasted almonds, orange bell peppers, olive oil, coriander, paprika, cumin, cucumber, cherry tomatoes. With all of those flavors it’s no wonder it was so delicious. And it only costs: $5. Yep, yep, only $5! In addition, I highly recommend the spinach coconut smoothie: It’s unreal, and a very refreshing summertime drink.

Drinker’s Pub (39th and Chestnut Street)

Last night, one of my friends took me to Drinker’s Pub. Boy, this place is cheap! I had a few beers there for only  $1 a can. I figured this pub must be a real haven for college students (over 21 biensur!). The food is economical too. Drinker’s pub serves homemade tacos for $2.50 and chili cheese dogs for $2.75. I can’t wait to see what is going on Thursdays when they host a special Happy Hour between 7 to 9 p.m.!

Penn’s Landing is Happening this Summer!

It is summer in Philadelphia and all the signs are here: it’s going to be a hot one. If you’re thinking of a staycation this summer, be on the look out for all the Welcome America festivities. Especially the Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival on Sunday. July 3.

Philadelphia’s premier Delaware River waterfront entertainment destination hosts another season of free programming on the RiverStage at the Great Plaza (Columbus Blvd. and Market Street).

The annual PECO multicultural series will give you a unique opportunity to explore the world while staying in Philadelphia. Learn about African heritage, Irish, Portuguese and Indian culture.

Thursday nights throughout the summer grab a bottle of wine, stop by Shank’s Original at Pier 40 and pick up sandwiches before heading to the screenings under the stars at the Great Plaza. A perfect night out that you can afford to do again and again.

Visit their web site at http://www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com/.

Summer Fun is Ripe for Picking!

At Linvilla Orchards Raspberry Festival…

Raspberries: delicious, juicy antioxidant-laden super fruits. Use them in tarts, perk up your cereal, or ask your grandmother to share her favorite recipe with you. Savor the sweet, sun-ripened fruit as you pick it fresh from the field during Linvilla Orchards Annual Raspberry Festival on Saturday, June 18. There will be a gazillion things for kids of all ages to do.

Besides berry picking, be dazzled by magician John Cassidy’s shows at 12p.m. and 3p.m.-comedy, magic, and balloon tricks!  Come see an amazing show by Raptors on Tour and learn about these amazing birds of prey at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the world-class playground, hayrides and face painting.

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Picking begins at 8 am!
John Cassidy at 12 & 3 pm
Cotumed Characters appear at 11:30 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm
Raptors on Tour at 11 am & 1:30 pm
Cooking demonstration by Susan DiBonaventura at 4 pm

Where: Linvilla Orchards Entertainment Garden

137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
610.876.7116

(Rain date Sunday, June 19, 2011)

Celebrate National Lobster Day at Phillips Flagship Restaurant!

June 15th is National Lobster Day, and Phillips Flagship Restaurant plans on celebrating with style and seafood. On this holiday, Phillips is offering a complimentary whole Maine lobster to the first fifty guests who purchase the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. Phillips Flagship restaurant features a seafood buffet with over 100 selections that satisfies even the most discerning palettes.

As the only seafood buffet in D.C. it features with fresh seafood items, including shrimp, fish, mussels, crab legs, crab cakes and plenty of land lover options. There’s no better way to celebrate this delicacy than that!

If you are not one of the first 50 guests, you can still enjoy a whole Maine lobster with the purchase of the buffet for an additional $9.99.

Phillips Flagship Restaurant overlooks the Potomac on the Southwest Waterfront at 900 Water Street Southwest, Washington, D.C., 20024. Visit the Web site at http://www.phillipsseafoodcom Phillips opens at 11 a.m. daily. For questions, call 202-488-8566.

Start the summer off on a sweet note!

Linvilla Orchard’s Annual Strawberry Festival is on Saturday, June 4 and it’s hosted by Makin’ Music. Celebrate their most popular fruit with fun safari-themed activities for the whole family. Hop on a hayride to fields overflowing with succulent strawberries ready for picking.  Explore your animal instincts on the scavenger hunt.  Raptors on Tour will show off their exquisite birds and teach you all about them at 3 p.m.

Of course you’ll be hungry after picking strawberries, so stop by the Linvilla Grill for some lunch, and the Farm Market features all the strawberry goodies you need.  Don’t forget to grab a slice of Delaware Valley’s largest strawberry shortcake!

The Garden Center is stocked with all the essentials you need to plant your garden. You can pick up everything from plants to seeds to soil to tools. And Linvilla’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to give you tips to make your garden bloom.  Learn new ways to use this season’s most delicious berry with a tutorial from renowned chef Susan DiBonaventura at 4 p.m.

Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, education and entertainment, and is located at 137 West Knowlton Road, in Media, PA. Call 610-876-7116 or visit www.Linvilla.com.

Dine under the stars at Lotus Farm to Table

Dining al fresco is one of the perks afforded by gorgeous summertime climate. Be sure to take advantage every Wednesday at Lotus Farm to Table in Media, PA as they participate in Dining Under the Stars, an outdoor dining and shopping extravaganza along a blocked off State Street.

Whether you’re hungry for a minted barley salad with tea brined chicken or thirsting for one of their healthy, revitalizing loose teas, Lotus Farm to Table adds the key ingredient to a enjoyable evening beneath the star-speckled skies.

To reserve your outdoor table, call 610-565-5554.